15.15, a Thursday afternoon, and Hector finds himself in the Southside. With time to snack, where’s better then Yadgar (148 Calder St, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP)?
Shkoor, Mein Host, was parking outside as I entered, bringing in supplies. Pleasantries were exchanged with Shkoor and Naveed, who was in his spot behind the counter.
I was advised that the Chapli Kebab were just out from the kitchen.
Fresh Chapli, mmmm, as good as their freshly made Fish Pakora?
Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower), Aloo Gajar Matar (Potatoes, Carrots, Peas) were on display along with other delights. What might have been Aloo Gosht disappeared. Two more trays were due out shortly: Beef Biryani and Chicken Jalfrezi. The latter was definitely not for Hector. I took the opperchancity to tell Shkoor, a boy in the 1970s, that my first encounters of Biryani back in the day, always included a side of Masala.
Shkoor’s eyebrows duly reacted, a frown, disbelief, horror? He assured me that Masala could be supplied. Proper Glasgow Biryani! One day I might take him up on this. Normally, when here for a non formal meal, I have a single Chapli, today would be a two Chapli Day. Fish Pakora too, irresistible.
I took my seat mid room. All tables towards the window wee occupied. Mid afternoon dining, excellent. The remainder of the room was empty, however, spot the Melon. Melon Curry?
A young chap brought the obligatory can of Rubicon and small pots of Raita and the Red Chilli Sauce. If I was here more often I would get to know these chaps names.
Fish Pakora
This was where the Salad was sneaked in, sliced pickled Green Chillies in there too, what a plateful! The Fish count reached double figures, and these were not tiddlers. This was a meal in itself.
A reheat, not as spectacular as when fresh from the kitchen, but still a joy. Scottish Haddock in a Spicy Batter, what more could a Hector need?
People eat Fish & Chips, today Hector just ate more Fish. I have read that back in the early nineteenth century, Curry was introduced to the UK some forty years before Fish & Chips,
Chapli Kebab
Two large, in effect, Chicken Burgers, but nothing like any so-called Chicken Burgers served in the Burger joints. Chicken, Onion, Chilli, Spices, all ground and formed into the patty.
The Chapli were spectacularly hot, giving an immediate edge over the now cooling Fish. The Flavours? Aromatic, on entering a Souk one can taste the Spice, here it was, and some.
These are fantastic – I assured Shkoor who had already commented that today could well have been my fist day at Yadgar without having Curry in some form. Mark the day.
You should sell these as Burgers.
Apparently people, in effect, do eat them as such. Maybe I did recently?
A snack, had there been Bread or Rice, no way would I have managed all that had been set before me. I left a bit of greenery, because that’s what you do.
The Bill
£10.00 … and why I cannot come here every week.
The Aftermath
That’s at least three consecutive visits that Naveed has been present. He must be due a vacation.